Unlike in the previous episodes of “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition,” remaining Filipino candidate Louie Sangalang’s presence was hardly felt in Episode 5.
That doesn’t mean that he failed to do his job, however.
Sangalang assumed the role of the quiet worker as Team Valor split their head-to-head clashes against Team Conquest in the fifth episode of the world-famous reality TV show.
"Because of the fact that you're not seen – you're at the backend – there's a tendency for people to disregard your contributions," Sangalang said in the boardroom.
But the 43-year-old’s contributions were certainly not lost.
Sangalang – alongside Monica Millington, Irina Chadsey, and guest athlete Brandon “The Truth” Vera – carried on in the dragon boat challenge even after their teammate in Eugene Chung was too tired to row.
Losing the physical challenge, Team Valor knew they had to pull out all stops in the business challenge, and while Sangalang stayed in the background as Milington took the lead as Project Manager, the Filipino’s contributions remained invaluable.
Working with Chung, Sangalang took the time to gather information for their pitch, something that Team Valor turned into gold later on.
And after the business challenge, which had them collaborating with Begawan Solo and The Shirt Bar at the Jewel Changi Airport, Team Valor evened the score after ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong called their product “outstanding.”
It did come with some criticisms, particularly the packaging, but it was still a much-needed win for Team Valor.
Come next episode, though, expect Sangalang to shine once more, especially after Sityodtong’s reminder to the candidates.
"I will no longer tolerate mediocrity. I will no longer tolerate floaters. I will no longer tolerate anything less than excellence," he said in Episode 4.
"This competition has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with you and your commitment, your passion, your desire to unleash your greatness in life. I'm willing to invest all my knowledge, all my ideas, all my experiences, my failures, my successes, into you so that you can become great. I want to see how badly you want it."
“The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” is showing across Asia on AXN every Thursday at 8:50 p.m. You can watch “The Apprentice” in the Philippines every Monday at 9 p.m. on One Sports.
